The Nature of Vermont

by Charles W. Johnson

Book by Johnson, Charles W.

Genres: Nature, Environment, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As we walk from that final field perhaps we can see the crusting of the first frost upon the mountain. Or in another season, the touch and ripple of a swallow’s wing upon the water. Or hear the deep-February bark of foxes. Or smell the spring come out of violets. These are all part of this time and place, Vermont’s own place, fixed for our lives on earth, but hardky more than an illusion in the timeless memory of shifting continents. We have no recollection of Vermont as an ocean bottom heaving up into Green Mountains, only the evidence of it. We see our time in its passing, but we also see its accumulation, whether in the ribboned rocks or the thin trees sprouting up from cellar holes.” (248)

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

High level overview of Vermont ecology. Not a field guide, nor does it want to be, but gives a sense of how ecology has impacted Vermonters and vice versa. Enjoyed it.

[Andree Sanborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in Vermont you have to at least own this for reference or, even better, read the entire book. Without knowing the natural history (including the ancient geographical forces) you will miss a fuller understanding of where you live, why the flora and fauna live there with you and even why the government works as it does here. The importance of historical context for natural history cannot be exaggerated. I wish I had read this earlier and not just because of the reasons I have already given. The book is simply full of fascinating information. I read this on Kindle even though I have the print edition. This book is a part of the curriculum for the high school earth science program. The book is well written but badly needs an update. It also needs much better photographs that are in color. The sketches are excellent.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Vermont natural history